Leaders across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially political leaders, have been urged to emulate the transparency, integrity, and simple lifestyle of former President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), made the call at the third President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Leadership Award and Honour Night in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme was organised by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success, with the theme: “Recognising Excellence in Leadership”.
Otaru, who chaired the occasion, described the late Yar’Adua as a resilient leader who believed in the ethos, pathos, and logos of the country’s culture.
“Some leaders are born, while some develop leadership traits. Yar’Adua was a born leader. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
“Yar’Adua believed in the unity of the country and promoted unity in diversity. He consistently preached religious tolerance among Nigeria’s ethnic groups. The legacy he left behind still resonates across the country.
“I am sure our leaders and youths are learning from the example he set while alive. He was a good example of a man everybody should emulate,” Otaru said.
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, also described Yar’Adua as a leader who meant well for Nigeria but did not live long enough to accomplish his vision.
Ribadu said the late president was a dedicated servant-leader who was honest, simple, and humble, adding that such humility was rare among leaders.
According to him, Nigeria had previously experienced similar leadership in the person of Murtala Mohammed, who also led the country for a short period.
He noted that within six months of leadership, Murtala Mohammed initiated major reforms, including state creation and the relocation of the Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja.
“Even in this civilian dispensation, we still have good leaders, but unfortunately, good leaders do not stay long. We have leaders who are arrogant; Yar’Adua was the opposite,” Ribadu said.
Managing Consultant of Lonvenza Specialist and Wellness Centre, Dr Phil Okonkwo, said the late Yar’Adua demonstrated a rare convergence of theory and practice in leadership.
Okonkwo said Yar’Adua showed that leadership was not defined by noise, but by discipline, and not by the assertion of power, but by restraint.
“At a time when authority could easily be exercised without accountability, he chose a path anchored on principle. He upheld the rule of law even when politically inconvenient.
“Yar’Adua embraced transparency by publicly declaring his assets, and he pursued dialogue over conflict, bringing stability to the Niger Delta,” he said.
The President of GILS, Mr Sunnie Chukumele, represented by the organisation’s Board of Trustees Chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Mamman, said the award and honour night was more than a ceremony.
According to him, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions had positively shaped society through visionary leadership, integrity, innovation, and service to humanity.
“In every generation, societies advance because certain men and women choose the difficult path of responsibility, courage, and selfless service.
“Leadership is not measured merely by position or power. True leadership is measured by impact, by the ability to inspire others, uplift communities, strengthen institutions, promote unity and leave society better than it was found,” he said.
Mamman added that honouring exemplary leadership was essential for national transformation because celebrating integrity, competence, and service encouraged future generations to embrace responsible citizenship. (NAN)
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